Author Emails, Programs, Tests, Cats, and Death

 I swear every time I try to implement one of these things, the world is out to get me. And I'm not terribly upset about it; I often would rather spend my time doing something else, but then again, this is MUCH more productive than wasting away of FB. Which I have been known to do in the past. Which I, proudly so, don't much do anymore.

That said, I mentioned priorities earlier this week. This week has been one that did NOT include writing. I despite not writing once I've begun the creative process but we've had two back-to-back weekends of snowfall, which for where I live in Virginia, is a reason to make life stop.

The good thing about this week (other than the fact that I am exceedingly blessed with an amazing husband, a wonderful job, 5 amazingly sweet furbabies, and God continues to provide in all ways): I decided to email newer author James Islington about his Licanius Triology. AMAZING trilogy and you should DEFINITELY check it out if you like high/epic fantasy. WONDERFUL story. He is still getting known, self-published in 2016 and then was picked up by Orbit Books. His works are much longer than a usual debut, but then again, he self-published, so.. it was his prerogative. And I'm glad he did! So anyway. I decided to email him because hey, he's newer, and the chance of me reaching out to him was higher than if I tried to contact Brandon Sanderson. And given that I know put James Islington in my brain ALONGSIDE Brandon Sanderson and Robert Jordan, Rothfuss, etc, I felt just as excited to email him.

They warned me that he reads all correspondence but doesn't always reply to them due to other constraints. Wait a few months, and if I don't get a reply, know that he at least read it.

Well, in two days, I got a reply directly from him.

PRAISE GOD! It never hurts to try!

I praised his skills, and asked him ONE writing/marketing question and he delivered in a way that I don't think he knows how much I appreciate. So... my mind has been distracted all week because as excited as I was to get that email, my brain hasn't been able to focus on hardly anything except writing, YET IRONICALLY, I was unable to write this week due to everything going on. See below...  

This week, I've been crunch-timing it to finalize the details of all 30-some of my clients, outlining our Strategy Sessions, typing them up cleanly so the clients know what on earth my messy scrawls say, figuring out their caloric and protein needs based on either body weight or adjusted body weight (which, the latter just adds more steps), then doctoring up and emailing them all the workouts I want them to do at home between now and April so we can achieve the goal we figured out at our Strategy Session.

Tired yet? That's just the programming. Keep in mind that because of Islington's email, I haven't been able to focus.

I also wrapped up the Foundations certification for my PNOE Metabolic Analysis. I just finished typing that up and submitting it today, though I've been working on it for weeks. Talk about a brain twister. It will certainly help me serve my clients better.

But! Yesterday, I was going to go to my Bible study, but couldn't because I had to take my eldest cat of five (who is 14 years old) to the vet. Turns out he has immune-mediated anemia with a threat to turning into thrombocytopenia, probably got into some rat poison, is extremely dehydrated, and has very low red blood cells and high white blood cells. We almost took him to the ER, but the vet felt confident after reviewing bloodwork that meds should help, so praise God for that. $600 later, we'll be doing another $200 round of labwork in a week to make sure it's working.

Also, my grandfather died yesterday. Found out while I was awaiting the blood work for my cat. Yeesh. This is not a surprise, as he was declining, but he was a wonderful, kind man who suffered the last few years with debilitating Alzheimer's, dementia, and diabetes, which ran his 92-year-old wife of 70 years ragged. I am now flying out tomorrow for a WEEK for the funeral and for some much needed family time. And unfortunately, because I have an ill cat whose body is trying to kill him, my husband can't come with me because someone has to stay home to give him the PLETHORA of meds he needs every 12 or 24 hours.

So. That sucks. My joy comes from Jesus but my husband brings me a ton of happiness, and he works during storms. He worked last weekend because of the snow, had a conference the middle of this week, working again today because of the snow, then I'm gone for a week without him. Sadface! But praise God, because I couldn't ask anyone else to care for my cat like this right now.

... So... I didn't get any writing in this week. Could I be writing right now? Absolutely, but my brain is still frazzled, and frankly, my butt is REALLY tired of sitting. Like my actual butt. It isn't, but sure feels flat, and is definitely numb. I DID work out three days this week instead of the preferred four, but at least I got my baseline in. I'll get some bodyweight power work done next week too. Who needs equipment? (Me! Ha... but one week is fine; no gains lost.)

And despite this frazzle-ness, I have had the blessing of Jesus's Peace and Joy over me this entire time. Yes, I'm already exhausted and still frazzled and impatiently waiting to type this up so I can fold clothes and finish packing before leaving bright-and-early tomorrow morning (did I mention we had snow? Of course I did. You know how I said we aren't used to snow? We aren't; let's hope we can get there and the plane takes off in due time and safely).

So. I will take my lap top with me with the intention of writing some while I'm away with family. I will be gone an entire week, so I know I will have time, and given the nature of the visit and all of this chaos preceding it, I will NEED it. Spells, I need it now.

With that, I bid thee adieu until next week, wherein I hope to have an update on how the writing is going and how my efforts of implementing some of Islington's ideas go.

Thank you GOD for your comfort and strength this week, and I rest easy knowing my Granddad is in your presence. I pray he is finally at peace. To You be the glory, forever and always.

Til next time, friends.

Jess